INDORE: The second page of Bhaiyyu Maharaj’s suicide note, in which he hands over authority of all financial and property dealings to his long-time aide Vinayak, has surprised many relatives and triggered concern within Shri Sadguru Datta Dharmik Evam Parmarthik Trust. There is confusion over who will decide on matters of the trust now. The police are getting the note examined by handwriting experts, but sources say there is little doubt it was written by the guru.
Relatives of Bhaiyyu Maharaj made it clear that they were not happy with the notion of Vinayak handling all affairs. “There is no question of any objection (to Vinayak) arising, because it is crystal clear. The family owns the property. Whatever has to be done, the family will do,” said Deepak Salunkhe, former NCP MLA and a close relative of Bhaiyyu Maharaj.
Asked what would be the family’s stand if Vinayak exerts his authority, he said, “He can come and go, but if he does anything, he will be thrown out.” Salunkhe, who is brother-in-law of Bhaiyyu Maharaj’s elder sister, said he has had discussions with Vinayak on the issue.
Vinayak refused to be approached with questions regarding the suicide note.
He was cremated in Indore on Wednesday with hundreds of followers chanting hymns. The guru’s daughter, Kuhu, 17, performed the last rites at Meghdoot crematorium around 2.30pm. Friction in the family came out in the open at the ashram. Kuhu and her stepmother Dr Aayushi Sharma sat on either side of the glass chamber that held the body but did not see eye-to-eye.
Union minister Ramdas Athavale and Maharashtra ministers Pankaja Munde, Girish Mahajan and Eknath Shinde attended the cremation, but no minister from the Madhya Pradesh government did. Collector Nishant Warwade said he was representing the government.
Bhaiyyu Maharaj’s funeral was not given state honours though the collector had said so on Tuesday. “Bhaiyyu Maharaj had refused MoS status. His wish was maintained upon his death,” Warwade told news agency.
His body was kept at Suryodaya Ashram from 10am to 1pm for devotees to pay their last respects. Sadhus, including Computer Baba and Yogendra Mahant, who were awarded ministerial posts in MP government along with Bhaiyyu Maharaj, paid their tribute.
Prasanta Patnaik